Like most minority institutions, St. Stephens is consistent with the tradition of audaciously flouting legal norms. The controversy surrounding Valson Thampu has resurfaced.

The management of St Stephen’s College is working overtime to ensure that there is no competition for illegally appointed Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Valson Thampu. This fact is illustrated by an advertisement
published in certain newspapers on Tuesday seeking application for the post of principal for St Stephen’s College. [...] The UGC criterion for the post of principal is Master’s degree with minimum 55 per cent, PhD and total teaching/research experience of 15 years in universities, colleges and other institutions of higher education. There is no age bar in the UGC criterion.

What exactly is the source of Valson Thampu’s power?